U.S. patent application number 13/487822 was filed with the patent office on 2013-12-05 for orthodontic appliance anchoring method and apparatus.
The applicant listed for this patent is Justin Parker. Invention is credited to Justin Parker.
Application Number | 20130323664 13/487822 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49670661 |
Filed Date | 2013-12-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130323664 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Parker; Justin |
December 5, 2013 |
Orthodontic Appliance Anchoring Method and Apparatus
Abstract
Orthodontic anchoring method and custom apparatus affixed to
teeth, TADS and/or tooth positioning and stabilization appliances
and/or orthodontic auxiliaries. Each appliance has mechanical
fasteners structured to secure segments of a curable flexible resin
rope called a flex fit module (FFM). The FFM is moldable and
adaptable to the oral cavity between mechanical fasteners in an
uncured first mode where it is cut to length, positioned around the
anatomy of the mouth and attached to clamps or fasteners at each
end. Each fastener has a clamp attached to orthodontic auxiliaries,
orthodontic appliances or onto a TAD for anchorage purposes. One
end of this custom appliance is usually attached via a clamp
manufactured as part of a bracket or band to a tooth. The other end
is connected to an appliance, tad or auxiliary. Once connected
together the system is cured and becomes a solid entity ready to
accept orthodontic forces.
Inventors: |
Parker; Justin; (Salt Lake
City, UT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Parker; Justin |
Salt Lake City |
UT |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
49670661 |
Appl. No.: |
13/487822 |
Filed: |
June 4, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
433/6 ; 433/18;
433/24; 433/7; 433/9 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61C 7/20 20130101; A61C
7/12 20130101; A61C 8/0096 20130101; A61C 7/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
433/6 ; 433/24;
433/18; 433/9; 433/7 |
International
Class: |
A61C 7/14 20060101
A61C007/14; A61C 7/08 20060101 A61C007/08; A61C 7/10 20060101
A61C007/10; A61C 7/00 20060101 A61C007/00; A61C 7/12 20060101
A61C007/12 |
Claims
1. (canceled)
2. (canceled)
3. An orthodontic apparatus, which anchors to teeth, bone or
orthodontic appliances structured to apply desired mechanics which
create or limit forces on teeth or jaws via braces, archwires, and
tooth straightening and stabilization appliances to affect tooth
movement comprising: a. at least one curable Flex Fit Module
flexible resin rope (FFM) structured as a flexible tube filled with
curable resin materials with or without fillers used to adjust
mechanical properties and viscosity, and capable of being moldable
to the anatomy of the oral cavity and then cured in place, with
variable diameters of any cross-section and thickness selected to
withstand biasing orthodontic forces when cured, and b. at least
one temporary anchorage device (TAD) or tooth positioning
orthodontic appliance with anchoring structure affixed within the
oral cavity to teeth, mucosa, hard and soft tissues of a roof and
floor of a mouth, each having mechanical fasteners structured to
secure to segments of the FFM; said FFM in a first mode is flexible
and of a length to position within the oral cavity along desired
segments of the teeth, mucosa, hard and soft tissues of the mouth,
the anchoring structure in an alignment, which provides desired
vectors and mechanics on braces, archwires, and tooth straightening
appliances to move segments of teeth and mouth in response to
biasing pressure; and in a second mode the FFM is cured and
hardened with light, heat, or chemicals to rigidly hold its
position during application of the biasing pressure.
4. An orthodontic apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the FFM
has first and second ends, with the first end attached to at least
one TAD having a fastener affixed to a head, the TAD positioned
within bone proximate a patient's teeth or in a palate at a
leverage point to provide fixed anchorage, and the second end of
the FFM affixed by another mechanical fastener fitted to
orthodontic appliances.
5. An orthodontic apparatus according to claim 3, wherein
appliances are connected to teeth using traditional bands, brackets
or other tooth attachment mechanisms structured to surround or
adhere to teeth surfaces with easily bondable mesh pads, bands, or
crowns which encircle a tooth.
6. An orthodontic apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the FFM
is a flexible resin rope with mechanical fasteners attached to at
least one TAD and the FFM adapted to a patient's anatomy to a
cantilevered point in space where a tooth must be moved to achieve
good alignment, and at this point a second mechanical fastener is
attached with a hook, cleat, bracket or tube to access the leverage
and apply it to the desired tooth or teeth.
7. An orthodontic apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the
mechanical fasteners are hinged curved locking jaws fitted with
traditional orthodontic equipment such as hooks, cleats, caps for
tads, brackets tubes and other devices to secure segments of FFM or
are fabricated as snap over top covers of appliances structured to
bind FFM between bottom and top segments of snap over top
covers.
8. An orthodontic anchoring apparatus creating direct and indirect
anchorage or movement to a tooth or teeth to aid in dental
alignment comprising: a. at least one temporary anchoring device
(TAD) positioned within the bone between or near a patient's teeth
or in the roof of the mouth at a leverage point to provide fixed
anchorage, b. at least one mechanical fastener fitted with or to
orthodontic appliance/appliances including but not limited to
cleats, hooks, brackets, springs or tubes affixed with structure to
a desired tooth or archwire to manipulate the teeth by
mesio-distal/bucco-lingual movement, intrusion, extrusion,
rotation, tipping, pulling, pushing or bodily movement, c.
mechanical locking devices with structure to lock onto or into
segments of curable Flex Fit Module flexible resin rope (FFM)
affixed to the heads of the TAD and appliance(s), and d. at least
one FFM constructed of an encapsulated resin filled tube of
material capable of curing in place in an oral cavity and moldable
to anatomy of the oral cavity secured by the mechanical locking
devices, which in one mode is flexible and positioned within mouths
along desired segments of the teeth, gums, or hard and soft tissues
of the mouth in a custom alignment to provide anchor points for
biased movement of a tooth or segments of teeth, and once in
position in another mode is cured and hardened with light, heat, or
chemicals to rigidly hold its position to prevent attached teeth
from moving during application of pressure relative to the TAD.
9. An orthodontic anchoring apparatus according to claim 8, wherein
the mechanical locking devices comprise hinged jaws with teeth or
retention grooves that interlock when closed to secure around a
segment of the FFM.
10. An orthodontic anchoring apparatus according to claim 9,
wherein at least one of the hinged jaws includes: i. a window or
space through which a portion of the FFM protrudes for securing,
and curing, or ii. a mesh or etched network of retention grooves on
the inside of the jaws, which, when the jaws are closed, bite
mechanically into the FFM to prevent the FFM from slipping, when
cured.
11. An orthodontic anchoring apparatus according to claim 8,
including: i. a sliding attachment, which accepts traditional
orthodontic archwire of any size and cross-section affixed to the
FFM mechanical locking device with a central channel (tube) or
bracket structured to allow an archwire to slide there through; and
ii. a cleat or hook secured to the sliding attachment to which
springs or elastics may be affixed to apply pressure to move
teeth.
12. An orthodontic anchoring apparatus according to claim 11,
wherein the central channel of the sliding attachment is
rectangular in shape to secure to the archwire to prevent or create
twisting of the archwire, and provide rotational and/or torsional
force to a bracket or band attached to an adjacent tooth or group
of teeth.
13. An orthodontic anchoring apparatus according to claim 8,
including a tooth positioning appliance comprising a band, bracket
or other orthodontic auxiliary with hinged jaws with teeth affixed
to interlock when closed to secure and/or bite into a desired
segment of the FFM.
14. An orthodontic anchoring apparatus according to claim 9,
including a cleat, hook, spring, piston, elastomeric, coil,
bracket, tube, cap or other auxiliary affixed to the hinged
jaws.
15. An orthodontic anchoring apparatus according to claim 14,
wherein the hinged jaws include a lingual/buccal bracket or band
affixed to a tooth and secured via FFM against a desired segment of
lingual bone via a TAD to create or stop movement of the attached
tooth.
16. An orthodontic anchoring apparatus according to claim 8
including a. tooth positioning appliances affixed to opposing two
to four teeth on each side of the palatal arch of the mouth, and b.
either: i. a rapid palatal expander affixed to the first ends of
the FFM via appliance integrated fasteners, and the second ends of
the FFM attached to teeth with mechanical clamps to push the teeth
apart and widen the palatal suture of the roof of the mouth as the
rapid palatal expander is activated, or ii. two clamps bonded to
lingual of molars in the maxilla with an FFM adapted to the palate
to maintain space in maxillary dentition with an acrylic pad fused
to the FFM placed directly on the palate so as the FFM is cured it
becomes one piece as a space maintainer.
17. An orthodontic anchoring apparatus according the claim 8,
including tooth anchoring bracket structured to fit with a low
lingual or buccal protruding profile onto the lingual or buccal
surfaces of a tooth/teeth following anatomic profiles of a tooth
and surrounding tissues to allow placement of a plastic invisible
removable aligner or retainer over the combined tooth and
band/bracket structure, which then exits the aligner and accepts
the FFM after the protruding past the border of the aligner via an
FFM fastener.
18. An orthodontic anchoring apparatus according to claim 17,
including removable cover, which covers hinged jaws of FFM clamps
and provides a smooth impression surface for impressions and/or
scans taken to fabricate removable aligners with low profile
attached before scan or impression is taken; said cover removed
before placement of FFM and, when bonded to a tooth maintains a
thin, low profile bracket on buccal or lingual surfaces of the
tooth and continues apically around the anatomy of soft and hard
tissues of the palate and palatal mucosa on the maxilla or on
buccal surfaces extending around the hard and soft tissue of the
buccal surface, to extend past a border of an overlaid plastic
invisible removable aligner leaving an unencumbered segment where,
a mechanical clamp affixed to the unencumbered segment is
structured to accept a first end of an FFM, with a second end
attached to at least one TAD having a mechanical fastener.
19. An orthodontic anchoring apparatus according to claim 17,
wherein the tooth anchoring structures, clamps, fasteners and
appliances are made of metal or metal amalgamations, alloys,
plastics, or resin components via mold injection or milling or
casting or mixing techniques which may or may not include plastic,
rubber, resins, stainless steel, molybdenum copper, tin, nickel,
silver, gold, titanium, aluminum, and other similar materials.
20. An orthodontic anchoring apparatus according to claim 16,
wherein the clamp mechanically or chemically bonds or attaches to
the FFM, when closed, by either: i. physically attaching to the FFM
via teeth/protuberances/mesh, which clamp into and bite the FFM,
ii. bonding to the FFM using teeth/protuberances/mesh attached to
the clamp to create a physical attachment after bonding, or iii.
inter-locking through a hole, window or end of the clamp, which
when closed expressed a segment of the FFM through the hole, window
or end of clamp.
21. An orthodontic anchoring apparatus according to claim 3,
wherein the FFM comprises a resin filled tube with i. a resin that
can be chemically adjusted or enhanced with fibers, flakes or cords
to achieve different physical characteristics including slump,
firmness, wetness, malleability, flexibility, strength, hardness,
flow-ability, curability properties and other relevant properties,
and ii. a tube surrounding or encasing the resin that can be
modified by altering tube materials or width of tube walls to
change its physical properties required for mechanical clamping or
biting into, in addition to slump, firmness, wetness, malleability,
flexibility, strength, hardness, mold-ability, flow-ability, and
curability, which may incorporate within the encasing or exterior
of the encasing a stent like metal or flexible mesh lattice of any
material to achieve said properties.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field
[0002] This invention pertains to orthodontic anchoring and
appliance attachment systems. Specifically, it refers to an
orthodontic anchoring and attachment method for teeth connected to
orthodontic appliances. These are custom made appliances designed
on demand by the orthodontist for the anchorage needs and/or
appliance development during one visit at the orthodontist. These
appliances are affixed to temporary anchorage devices (TADs) and/or
teeth and/or orthodontic appliances. Each custom appliance has in
common mechanical fasteners with one or multiple orthodontic
auxiliaries and, at least one flexible fit module (FFM), which is a
flexible curable resin rope. The mechanical fasteners can be fitted
to all traditional orthodontic appliances/auxiliaries. Between any
of these fasteners the FFM is placed to complete the appliance.
This invention simplifies orthodontic mechanics used by the
orthodontist for tooth movement and alignment creating never seen
before appliances, which incorporate current orthodontic
auxiliaries, and blend them into a new innovative system. Fasteners
are placed on teeth, TADs or appliances. Then segments of the FFM
are adapted around the anatomy of the mouth to join fasteners
together. Once the appliance is designed, adapted and fitted to the
patient, it is cured to become a rigid leverage point or points to
withstand oral and orthodontic forces required to move teeth. Tooth
movement is simplified and made more efficient while time is
minimized and patient comfort is improved.
[0003] 2. State of the Art
[0004] Orthodontics and Dento-facial Orthopedics deal in the
treatment of malocclusion (improper bites), mal-alignment of teeth
and manipulating jaws during growth or with surgical intervention
to improve oral facial esthetics, function, and oral health.
Comprehensive orthodontic treatment utilizes many intra-oral and
extra-oral appliances to achieve corrective measures. Most commonly
orthodontic brackets are bonded to teeth and metal wires are
inserted into the orthodontic brackets (dental braces), which are
made from various metals or a more aesthetic ceramic material. The
wires are generally affixed with elastic or metal ligatures and
interact with the brackets to move teeth into the desired
positions. Orthodontic appliances have historically been connected
via custom bent wires and continue to be connected from the teeth
to the auxiliaries and/or appliances through laboratory
procedures.
[0005] Stainless steel archwires can be bent, shaped, and tightened
to achieve desired results. Newer Nickel-titanium archwires and
other temperature-sensitive materials are routinely used for this
purpose, but do not require bending. When cold, the archwire is
limp and flexible, easily threaded between brackets of most
configurations. Once heated to body temperature, the archwire will
stiffen and seek to return to its original shape. These archwires
create constant light forces on the teeth. Brackets with hooks can
be placed, or hooks can be added to the archwire to affix elastics
to pull teeth into alignment. The placement and configuration of
the elastics is determined by the required course of treatment of
each patient. Each month or two, the braces will be adjusted and
modified as needed. The orthodontist will remove the colored rubber
ties keeping the wire in place or the wire may be replaced or
modified and rubber ties replaced as individual ties or a
continuous chain is used to close space. Tooth positioning
appliances are defined as all traditional appliances used in
orthodontics including but not limited to brackets, bands, tubes,
cleats, buttons, wires, caps, rapid palatal expanders, nance
appliances, space maintainers, trans-palatal arches, distalization
appliances, dental orthopedic appliances, custom bent appliances or
any other appliance commonly used it the practice of
orthodontics.
[0006] Temporary attachment devices or TADs are used as anchored
points to secure elastics, springs or wire modules bent for a
specific purpose. These elastic or metal modules use a TAD, which
is fixed to bone and not connected to teeth for anchorage. Teeth
are poorer anchor points because teeth move in accordance with
Newton's third law--for every action there is an equal and opposite
reaction. Thus when connected to large molars, smaller teeth are
more likely to move further toward the molars. This creates a
problem when a tooth is not to move. TADs have begun to solve this
problem by adding anchorage to a tooth or groups of teeth allowing
for biased orthodontic mechanics.
[0007] In additional to TADs and ancillary components orthodontics
includes removable appliances, headgear, expansion appliances,
fixed appliances and many other devices. These adjunctive
appliances may be used to move teeth and jaw bones. Functional
appliances, for example, are used in growing patients (age 7 to 14)
to modify the jaw and their relationship. This therapy, termed
Dento-facial Orthopedics, is followed by fixed multi-bracket
therapy (see "full"//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dental_braces ("braces")
to align the teeth and refine the occlusion (see
//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occlusion ("dentistry").
[0008] In many cases there is insufficient space in the dental arch
for all the teeth to fit properly. There are two main procedures to
rectify this problem. One is extraction: teeth are removed to
create space. The second is expansion: the maxillary arch or upper
jaw is made larger by using a palatal expander. The palatal
expanders are secured to teeth to direct the expansion along the
suture that separates both halves of the upper jaw. This is the
suture that opens and subsequently fills in with new bone when a
rapid palatal expander is used.
[0009] A number of devices are employed with round steel wires
attached to fitted bands around teeth to direct forces and move
teeth to correct a patient's bite. For example, Cope, U.S. Pat. No.
7,717,707 issued May 18, 2010 discloses an Orthodontic
trans-palatal intrusion arch assembly secured with TADs to close
open bites. It employs a number of trans-palatal arch wires
connected to molar bands and TADs to direct forces along desired
segments of the mouth. These wires are custom bent and formed to
the patient and do not necessarily form a perfect fit.
Consequently, additional welding and adjustment and/or lab work are
required, resulting in multiple fitting visits. Cinader, Jr., U.S.
Pat. No. 7,774,084 issued Aug. 10, 2010 creates a method by which
implants can be placed more accurately using a template created
with the aid of computers. The doctor can place TADs or other types
of implants more accurately with this template technology
device.
[0010] Conventional appliances must be welded and bent to fit the
anatomy of the oral cavity. This requires: 1) fitting bands or
brackets in the office and taking impressions of the teeth, 2)
placing the fitted bands/brackets into the impression and 3)
sending it to a lab for custom bending of steel wires, soldering of
the wires to connect component of the appliance and/or making
acrylic components of the appliance. After the laboratory
production is completed the patient is brought back in to the
orthodontic office where final bending adjustments are made to the
appliance by the orthodontist. Typically these appliances contain
brackets or bands fitted with hooks and bars welded in place from
teeth to TADs or other appliances. These can be affixed to the
archwire, bracket or TADs to secure to elastics, springs etc. to
move teeth into alignment. This can result in ill-fitting jerry
rigged devices, which can be uncomfortable for the patient and not
ideal for the orthodontist.
[0011] The custom device and method described below avoids these
problems by providing an easily fitted FFM connected to an
anchoring system associated with TADs and/or appliances to the
tooth/teeth. This FFM replaces the stainless steel wire and
connects the different components of the appliance, and allows for
immediate placement of an efficient, comfortable appliance with no
lab work or impression requirements. This invention creates a new
category of appliances to simplify orthodontic mechanics used to
align teeth without welds, bending of wires, or multiple fitting
visits. It thus alters current orthodontic practices, saves time,
impressions and is beneficial to the patient and the
Orthodontist.
OBJECTIVES
[0012] Some of the objectives of the present invention are to:
[0013] 1) Create a new system to attach to and utilize temporary
anchorage devices TADs for anchorage and revolutionize the
attachment of traditional orthodontic appliances to teeth.
[0014] 2) Simplify and generate efficiencies to orthodontic
mechanics by allowing up righting and space closure of tipped
molars by placing a bracket suspended in space and fixed to a TAD
where the orthodontist would have the bracket if the tooth were
ideally placed. This invention assists the orthodontist with many
difficult orthodontic procedures including but not limited to:
canted occlusion, impacted or un-erupted teeth, intrusion,
extrusion, expansion, space closure or opening, and fixed
stabilization of a tooth or teeth when movement is not wanted and
additional anchorage is required.
[0015] 3) Decrease treatment time and patient compliance
requirements by improving the use of TADS which are screws inserted
into the bone between the teeth for increased anchorage or to
create points of fixed anchorage which can be manipulated to the
advantage of the Orthodontist to move teeth.
[0016] 4) Enhance utilization of traditional appliances by changing
the way the appliance are fit and connected together using one or
more flex fit modules (FFM), which are flexible curable resin ropes
and clamps attached to traditional bands, brackets, appliances,
TADs etc. These clamps and FFM are connected together providing a
platform by which the orthodontist can adjust auxiliaries from TADS
and/or appliances to the current brackets and systems to bias the
orthodontic mechanics for the benefit of the patient and
orthodontist.
[0017] 5) Employ TADs used in conjunction with traditional
brackets, wires, invisible removable aligners, and appliances to
move teeth into the desired alignment by creating a new category of
appliance or attachment apparatus.
[0018] 6) Remove the requirement of impressions, lab work,
utilization of preformed or custom bent wire used to connect
appliance parts, and aftermarket soldering currently required to
make and properly place orthodontic appliances. The FFM works in
conjunction with or can entirely replace the wire or wires used to
connect components of orthodontic appliances.
[0019] Specifically, this invention provides attachment devices
from the TAD to a tooth or teeth either directly or indirectly. It
also provides the ability to attach from a TAD to a free-floating
point in space cantilevered to where the tooth is desired to
arrive. This invention is also used to stop undesired movement by
being placed mesial or distal (in-front or behind) of a bracket and
then being activated by traditional orthodontic mechanics to move
teeth, thus avoiding undesired movement of anchored teeth. Between
these new attachment devices a new flex fit module (FFM) is
utilized to adapt to the anatomy of the oral cavity and provide a
perfect fitting appliance in one visit with no lab work.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0020] The invention comprises orthodontic TAD attachment devices,
tooth attachment devices, and appliance attachment devices, all
connected to a tooth or teeth (via brackets/bands). The attachment
is made using a clamp which connects to a Flex Fit Module (FFM)
(curable flexible resin rope) at one end, which is then shaped to
the patient's oral anatomy and fastened to another auxiliary clamp
to attach to a tooth, appliance, tad or be set to a point in space
toward which the tooth will be moved. The FFM replaces the wire
traditionally used to connect components of orthodontic appliances
from tad to tooth to appliance in any combination. TAD, tooth, and
appliance connections are custom designed and can be formulated in
any order and number of attachments (connected to TAD, tooth,
appliance) in any configuration to any part the oral cavity.
[0021] This invention is functionally efficient, and comfortably
attached to one, two or multiple teeth and/or TAD and/or appliance
by a clamp designed for that specific use. The invention also
modifies current appliances by adding clamps to them. These clamps
are then fitted with FFM's, which are shaped and connect to teeth,
which are also fitted with clamps. The apparatus can attach to the
orthodontic appliance via the archwire, which may pass through a
tube (round or rectangular) that is part of the clamp. This tube is
fitted to the mechanical fastener (clamp), which provides immovable
stop to hold teeth in a particular position within the dental
arch.
[0022] The connectivity from teeth to TADs or appliances using cut
to length, flexible curable resin ropes (FFM) has not heretofore
been employed. Adaptations of this appliance are fit and molded to
the patient's oral anatomy and cured via heat, time, chemical or
light curing, which fixes the apparatus between all its various
custom attachments in place creating a newly place fixed custom
appliance. The invention allows for a simple more precise use of
forces on braces, archwires, and teeth or the appliances used to
align teeth. Thus, this new anchoring appliance provides vectors
with fewer unwanted side affects to align teeth using braces,
archwires, and orthodontic appliances. The orthodontist can design
biasing pressure as needed to obtain selective movement of
teeth.
[0023] Specifically, the invention comprises at least one FFM
curable flexible resin rope of varied diameters and length secured
by TADs, teeth (via bands or brackets) and/or appliances, each
having mechanical fasteners structured to secure segments of the
flexible resin rope to its end use attachment. The FFM resin rope
in a first mode is flexible and of a length to be positioned and
adapted within the mouth along desired segments of the teeth, gums,
palate and buccal and lingual portions of the oral cavity in both
the mandible and maxilla. The resin rope is then attached to
another clamp to anchor, attach, or connect to a desired structure,
(i.e. TAD, tooth or appliance) in the oral cavity with the purpose
alignment of the human dentition. In a second mode after being
placed in the desired position, the resin rope is cured and
hardened with light, heat, or chemicals to rigidly hold its
position during the application of the biasing pressure to the
teeth (orthodontic force). This provides exact placement of desired
anchorage points to teeth, TADs, appliances or points in space for
the orthodontist to create desired vectors on teeth. Pulling,
pushing, erupting, intruding, rotating, torque, tipping and bodily
movement of teeth using braces, archwires, TADs and tooth
straightening appliances move the teeth more efficiently using
forces biased based on the needs of the individual patient.
[0024] Orthodontic appliances are currently fabricated of stainless
steel components, i.e. screws, pistons with springs, or wire custom
bent or pre-formed to serve a function. They are then welded to
bands or brackets. This invention can be connected to all of these
devices without wires or bending to connect them. This is a
one-visit appliance fit utilizing the Flex Fit Module (FFM) and
clamps at both ends of orthodontic device now connected without
custom bent wires.
[0025] In one embodiment, the mechanical fasteners are hinged with
curved locking jaws structured to secure to segments of flexible
resin ropes. This can be repeated with unlimited numbers of locking
jaws (clamps) used along any portion of the resin rope. Any
attachment can be designed in conjunction with these clamps to
serve any anchorage issue in orthodontics. The diameter of the
closed clamp is smaller than the resin rope to create a mechanical
lock. This mechanical lock can be achieved with teeth or protruding
wedges which bites/penetrates into the FFM tube and/or resin
creating a lock from the clamp to the FFM. There are cut outs or
windows in the clamp to ensure the flexible rope is cured properly.
The windows also serve as mechanical locks because some of the FFM
flexible tube or resin protrudes into the cut outs or windows and
extends past the clamp and around its borders to mechanically lock
it in place as it is closed. Using these principles the ropes/FFM
and jaws/clips can have any required diameters to meet the force
required by a specific anchorage issue or a particular appliance to
be fitted with this system.
[0026] In another embodiment, the TAD is inserted into the bone
with its head protruding out of the tissue. A cap that fits over
the head of the TAD is fitted with a clamp (one piece), which
accepts the FFM and is placed on the TAD. A bracket or band also
fitted with a clamp is bonded to a tooth. The FFM is cut to length
and shaped around the anatomy of the mouth from clamp to clamp. The
jaws of the clamps are closed and the FFM between the clamp on the
tooth and the clamp fixed to the TAD are cured. After curing the
device becomes a solid system anchoring the tooth with the TAD.
This system can be repeated using any appliance used in
orthodontics, which is fitted with a clamp to any tooth fitted with
a band or bracket fitted with at clamp. It is also possible to
attach between these two ends another fastener/clamp fitted with
any auxiliary such as hook or bracket to the FFM for orthodontic
use.
[0027] Mechanical locking devices or clamps or clips can be
configured as closing jaws or snap fit covers where two separate
pieces snap together to form the clamp with teeth to bite into the
resin rope and fix the FFM mechanically in place. (as seen in cross
section of expansion screw shown in FIG. 4b)
[0028] At least one curable flexible resin rope has segments
secured by the mechanical locking devices in a first mode where the
rope is flexible for positioning within the mouth and contoured
around the anatomy of the oral cavity of the patient. Various
auxiliaries can be positioned around the mouth and in conjunction
with traditional orthodontic appliances to created beneficial
placement to aide in the alignment of teeth and to modify growth of
the jaws, when appropriate. Once in position the custom appliance
including the curable resin rope (FFM) and its fasteners are cured
into one piece and hardened with light, heat, or chemicals to
rigidly hold its position. Biasing pressure is then employed to
prevent some teeth from moving while encouraging movement of other
teeth using a TAD or Multiple TADs for anchorage.
[0029] One embodiment of a mechanical locking device has hinged
jaws with teeth that interlock when closed to secure around a
desired segment of the flexible resin rope. The hinged jaws include
at least one opening through which a portion of the resin rope
protrudes into when the jaws are closed to prevent the rope from
slipping, when hardened. The diameter of the FFM is larger than the
jaws when closed. In another variation the locking jaws can be of
the same diameter of the FFM, if the inner part of the jaws are
structured to provide retention through a mesh pad system to lock
the resin in place when cured.
[0030] The mechanical locking device may include an orthodontic
tube or central channel structured as to allow an archwire to slide
through. It may also be fitted with a bracket, cleat, or hook to
which springs or elastics may be affixed to apply vector pressure.
In another variation, the central channel of the slide is
rectangular in shape to secure to the archwire to prevent its
twisting; thus providing rotational force to the tooth positioning
appliance and affixed tooth when the archwire twists.
[0031] One embodiment of the tooth positioning appliances comprises
teeth (banded) with hinged jaws to interlock when closed to secure
around a desired segment of the flexible resin rope (FFM). The
mechanical jaws when shut are of a smaller diameter than the FFM
and because windows are cut into the jaws of the mechanical
fasteners to allow the uncured FFM to be expressed or protrude
through window when jaws are closed. Once cured the mechanical
junction is complete.
[0032] A cleat, hook or bracket may be affixed to the hinged jaws
to provide another anchoring point for the orthodontist to attach
springs, wires or elastic components as needed to complete a custom
appliance.
[0033] In another embodiment, the mechanical locking device
comprises hinged jaws with teeth, grooves, dimples, channels
affixed and interlocking together (both male and female portions of
clamp) when closed to snap and clip together to hold clamp shut and
secure around a desired segment of the flexible resin rope FFM. The
teeth or grooves inside the clamp are different and used to bite
into the FFM itself to lock the FFM in place.
[0034] In another embodiment, the orthodontic anchoring apparatus
includes at least four Flex fit modules FFMs affixed with a
clipping clamp to an expansion screw in the palate of the mouth.
The opposing teeth on each side of the maxillary arch (two teeth on
each side of the arch) of the mouth are fitted with brackets with
mechanical locking devices (clamps). After the four FFMs are locked
into place via the clamps, formed and cured the arch is ready for
expansion.
[0035] To secure rapid palatal expanders, curable FFM flexible
resin rope segments with first ends secured by the mechanical
locking devices or jaws attached to the teeth at one end and to the
expander at the second ends. The FFM's in the first mode are
flexible and positioned around the anatomy of the mouth to attach
both ends of the FFM. Once in position the FFM's are cured and
hardened with light, heat, or chemicals to rigidly hold its
position to make the appliance solid during tooth/jaw movement. The
FFM rope segments, now cured, rigidly fix in position the rapid
palatal expander so that its separation structure (screw), when
activated, applies lateral separation pressure to the teeth to
widen the palatal suture of the roof of the mouth. This invention
allows expanders to be placed to either a TAD, a tooth, or both
using clamps fit to the expander.
[0036] The flexible resin ropes/flex fit modules (FFM) are made of
light, heat, or chemically curable resins which can be mixed with
fillers or fibers to form a composite material. The curable resin
can include but is not limited to epoxies, acrylates,
cyanoacrylates, silicones, polyurethanes, or polyureas. It is
preferred that the curable resin be activated by light and be based
on acrylate resins with a photoinitiator that is activated by
either UV or visible light. The acrylate material could be a
combination of di-functional and tri-functional resins and are most
commonly composed of bisphenol A-glycidyl methacrylate (Bis-GMA)
monomers or Bis-GMA analogs. Other functional acrylates can be
added as reactive diluents to achieve certain physical properties
such as flow-ability for ease of handling. As with other composite
materials used for dental composite fillings, the preferred resins
typically consist of an oligomer acrylates, such as a (Bis-GMA) or
urethane dimethacrylate (UDMA), a reactive diluent, and a filler.
Oligomer Bis-GMA analogs can vary with the addition of polyethylene
glycol (PEG) monomers incorporated into the molecule. Urethane
methacrylate oligomers can also be used with both di- and
tri-functionality with or without PEG constituents. Reactive
diluents include triethleneglycol methacrylate (TEG), low molecular
weight trimethacrylates or other PEG based methacrylates. The
compositions vary widely, with proprietary mixes of resins forming
the matrix, as well as engineered filler materials depending upon
the composite properties required. The FFM can be made with or
without a flexible rubber/plastic tube of varied thickness which
encases the resin material and allows for better working
properties. This can also be described as a resin filled tube which
is flexible. The tube wrapping the resin can be configured with
varied widths and different materials and varied chemical/molecular
makeup to adjust its properties.
[0037] Filler materials can be based on organic or inorganic
materials. Examples of organic fillers can be nanometer or
micrometer size particles of polymers based on polystyrene, nylon,
or others. Examples of inorganic fillers can be nanometer or
micrometer size particles based on silica, alumina, or other
inorganic metal oxides or ceramics. Filler materials are used to
adjust key properties of the resins such as mechanical properties
and viscosity. Nanomaterials can also be used as fillers, such as
carbon nanotubes or nanowires based on metals or metal oxides. A
coupling agent such as silane may be used to enhance the bond
between the components. Fiber materials can also be added to
enhance the mechanical properties of the resin composite. Fiber
materials can be made from carbon, glass (silica or other inorganic
oxide), polyester, polypropylene, or other polymers and act as
reinforcing rods to improve the overall stiffness and strength of
the composite before and after curing.
[0038] In the preferred embodiment of the FFM, a photo initiator is
used to cure the composite material that decomposes into free
radicals when exposed to light to initiate the polymerization
reaction. Photo initiators that decompose under visible light
(wavelengths between 400-700 nm) are typically used in dental
composites. Examples of photoinitiators include but are not limited
to camphorquinone (CQ), phenylpropanedione (PPD) or
trimethylbenzoyl-diphenylphosphine oxide (TPO). A catalyst or
co-initiator may be included to control its speed. Co-initiators
are typically tertiary amines such as ethyl
4-dimethylaminobenzoate.
[0039] The orthodontic anchoring device thus provides an improved
easily fitted resin rope FFM which can be adapted anywhere a metal
wire was historically bent and shaped for appliances such as but
not limited to space-maintainers, rapid palatal expanders,
trans-palatal arches, labial bows on retainers, anchoring systems
associated with TADs and tooth positioning appliances. Forces can
be directed through the FFM and vector can be individualized for
better alignment of teeth. No lab work, custom bent wires, or
multiple fitting visits are required.
[0040] The hinging jaws or clamps are just one iteration of other
clamps, which will utilize the same overlying technologies and
principles but may be different in their design, size, materials or
mechanical workings. Likewise the Flex fit module or FFM including
its resin makeup and it's tube or wrap requirements may be designed
to fulfill the same function but can be designed with different
shapes, thicknesses and materials but used for the same uses
described here within.
[0041] For example, the invention may be adapted for use with
invisalign type appliances. This requires a tooth anchoring
structure designed to fit flat onto the lingual or buccal surface
of a tooth/teeth via a bracket/band, which follows the profile of
the of the anatomy of the tooth tightly as to enable the placement
of a plastic invisible removable aligner or retainer over the
combined tooth and band/bracket structure. The attachment maintains
a thin, low profile tooth attachment bracket/band and continues
apically, exiting the invisalign appliance and extends around the
anatomy of the soft and hard tissues of the palate buccal/lingual
mucosa on either/both the maxilla or mandible. It extends past the
border of the over layed plastic invisible removable aligner so as
to be unencumbered by said aligner. At which point, a mechanical
clamp accepts the first end of the FFM. Then the second end of the
FFM is attached to at least one TAD with a mechanical fastener
fitted with an attachment for the TAD (TAD cap). This attachment
attached to the tooth has a removable cap placed over the clamps
for smooth impression release and/or scanning of the teeth when the
attachment is placed on teeth before an impression/scan is taken
for fabrication of the appliance. This invisalign orthodontic
appliance variation provides anchorage for the tooth/teeth during
treatment with invisible removable clear plastic appliances and
will allow for biasing forces with the use of invisible removable
appliances such as invisalign.
[0042] In another embodiment, the tooth anchoring structure is
designed to fit flat onto the lingual or buccal surface of a
tooth/teeth via a bracket/band. which follows the profile of the
anatomy of the tooth so as to not inhibit the placement of a
plastic invisible removable aligner or retainer over the combined
tooth and band/bracket structure.
[0043] This variation may be adapted with an FFM with first and
second ends. An attachment with a removable cap, which maintains a
thin, low profile and continues apically around the anatomy of the
soft and hard tissues of the palate buccal/lingual mucosa on
either/both the maxilla or mandible is included to extend past a
border of the overlayed plastic invisible removable aligner leaving
an unencumbered segment. A mechanical clamp is affixed to the
unencumbered segment to accept the first end of the FFM attached to
at least one TAD. The second end of the FFM has a mechanical
fastener fitted with an attachment for the TAD structured so that
the removable cap covers the clamps and the attachment provides a
smooth impression for scanning before impressions or scans are
taken.
[0044] These orthodontic anchoring apparatus with tooth anchoring
structures, clamps, fasteners and appliances are made of metal or
metal amalgamations/alloys components via mold injection or milling
or casting techniques, which may or may not include stainless
steel, molybdenum copper, tin, nickel, silver, gold, titanium,
aluminum, and other similar materials.
[0045] The FFM curable flexible rope may be a resin filled tube.
The resin within the tube can be chemically adjusted to achieve
different physical characteristics including slump, firmness,
wetness, malleability, flexibility, strength, hardness,
flowability, curability properties and other relevant properties.
The tube surrounding or encasing this resin also can be similarly
modified by altering materials or width of tube to change its
physical properties for the mechanical clamping or biting into via
clamp requirements, and also those other properties mentioned above
for the resin.
[0046] The clamps mechanically or chemically bond or attach to the
FFM when closed. Mechanical clamps physically attach to the FFM via
teeth/protuberances/mesh, which clamp into and bite the tube and/or
resin components of the FFM. Chemical clamps may bond to the FFM
using teeth/protuberances/mesh attached to the clamp to create a
physical pressure bonding attachment. The FFM may also interlock
through a hole, window or end of clamp, when it is closed, as it
will be expressed forcefully when clamp is closed and the FFM will
be express through window/hole or end of clamp.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0047] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the
invention with a double TAD mounted along the gum line above the
teeth.
[0048] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
invention mounted along the palate of the mouth.
[0049] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
invention mounted along the palate of the mouth.
[0050] FIG. 4 is another embodiment of the invention mounted to a
palatal expander mounted to the upper arch of the maxilla.
[0051] FIG. 4a is a cross section of the embodiment of the (RPE)
palatal expander screw with FFM notches built into appliance of
FIG. 4.
[0052] FIG. 4b is a perspective view of an RPE palatal expander
screw cap that secures top portion of FFM when snapped in place
over screw to secure FFM segments.
[0053] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a mechanical locking device
clamp or jaws.
[0054] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another mechanical locking
device.
[0055] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a mechanical locking device
affixed to a temporary anchoring device.
[0056] FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of another embodiment of a
mechanical locking device.
[0057] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a
mechanical locking device affixed to a band fitted to a tooth.
[0058] FIG. 10 is a bottom view of a mechanical locking device with
a lingual bracket.
[0059] FIG. 11 is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 10.
[0060] FIG. 11a is a view of a clamp with locking teeth, which bite
into FFM.
[0061] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an uncured FFM/Flexible
curable rope or Flex fit module
[0062] FIG. 13 is another perspective view of a randomly shaped and
cured FFM of FIG. 12.
[0063] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a bracket attached to a
clamp for use with removable invisible aligners.
DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS
[0064] Examples of the present invention are illustrated in the
following figures. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment
of the invention 10 mounted along the gum line above the teeth. A
temporary anchoring device (TAD) 12 better shown in FIG. 7 with a
mechanical locking device or clamp 14 attached to its head 16 is
positioned between the teeth to the bone to provide a fixed
anchoring point. One end 18a of a flexible curable resin rope 18 is
secured by the mechanical locking device or clamp 14 of the TAD 12.
The other end 18b is secured to a mechanical locking device 20
affixed to a tube clip 22, which accepts an archwire 24, and slides
along the archwire 24 secured by braces 26. This appliance 10 is
attached to a TAD above the teeth and to an orthodontic tube 22
with the archwire 24 passing through the tube 22. This use may
require two separate TADs 12 to prevent rotation of an appliance as
shown in FIG. 1.
[0065] A cleat 28 shown in more detail in FIGS. 5 and 6 is attached
to the mechanical locking device or clamp 20 to provide an
anchoring point for elastic (not shown). Thus positioned, the resin
rope 18 is cured with light, heat, chemicals or time to securely
hold rigid the cleat 28 in fixed position to allow the teeth to
move in a desired direction.
[0066] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
invention 10 mounted along the pallet to secure a desired tooth in
position. This tooth can now be acted upon with traditional
orthodontic methods and not moved. A TAD 12 with a mechanical
locking device or clamp 14 attached to its head 16 (not shown) and
a lingual bracket 30 is secured to the roof of the mouth. One end
18a of a curable resin rope 18 is then secured by the mechanical
locking device or clamp 14 of the TAD 12. The other end 18b is
secured by the mechanical locking device 20 of a band 32 fitted to
a tooth in position. The resin rope 18 is then cured with light,
heat, chemical or time to rigidly secure the banded tooth in fixed
position relative to the TAD 12
[0067] The curable flexible resin rope, flex fit module or FFM, all
hereinafter referred to as (FFM) 18, is moldable to the anatomy of
the oral cavity and has variable diameters selected to withstand
biasing forces when cured. It is then adapted around the anatomy of
the palate and fit to a locking device clamp 20, which is attached
to the TAD 12. After curing this is complete anchorage for the
bicuspid.
[0068] The FFM 18 is a new category of orthodontic appliances whose
primary functions include:
[0069] i. Adaptation to the patients anatomy
[0070] ii. Replacement of current custom bent wires to connect from
tad to tooth, appliance to tooth, tooth to tooth, tad to bracket,
tad to band, appliance to band or bracket, band/bracket to
auxiliary, tad to auxiliary, band/bracket to acrylic pad, tad to
acrylic pad, appliance to acrylic pad.
[0071] iii. Elimination of lab work fabrication with one visit
placement of custom made appliances
[0072] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
invention 10 mounted along the upper arch of the maxilla. This
appliance 10 is fitted to a molar and a bicuspid via brackets 32,
33 fitted with clamps 20, 21. An FFM 18 is then adapted from one to
the other and another mechanical locking device clamp 14 fitted
with a lingual bracket 30 is attached to a TAD 12 secured to the
roof of the mouth, holds ends 18a, 18b of the FFM 18 in position.
It is then cured to achieve complete anchorage. The resin rope 18
is required to fit together between the attachment ends of all
these appliances. Within these scanned images, the flex fitting
resin is easily adapted to the anatomy of the oral cavity. In
summary, the ends 18a, 18b, are secured by mechanical locking
devices 20, 21 of tooth bands 32, 33. Once in position, the resin
rope 18 is then cured with light to rigidly hold the two banded
teeth in fixed position relative to the TAD 12.
[0073] FIG. 4 is a perspective of another embodiment of the
invention 10 mounted to a rapid palatal expander (RPE) 34 mounted
to the upper pallet of the mouth. The RPE 34 is attached to the
teeth via bands 62, 64, 66, 68 fitted with clamps 52, 54, 56, 58.
FFMs 36, 38, 40, 42 are used to attach the teeth to the screw
activated RPE 34. Once ends 52, 54, 56, 58 are secured to clamps
52, 54, 56, 58, and ends 44, 46, 48, 50 are secured by the RPE 34,
the FFMs 36, 38, 40, 42 are fit to the anatomy and clamped into
place. The RPE appliance is the cured to rigidly hold the palatal
expander 34 in position and ready for activation. When activated,
the RPE 34 applies spreading pressure to the four teeth expanding
the suture of the palate to widen the bite.
[0074] FIG. 4a is a cross section of the embodiment of the palatal
expander RPE 34 of FIG. 4 showing its components 34a, 34b. The RPE
cap 34a is secured to the RPE base 34b to hold the ends of resin
ropes FFM 36, 38, 40, 42. FIG. 4b is a perspective view of the RPE
cap 34a shown in FIG. 4a.
[0075] FIG. 5 shows appliance 14 is fitted with a round tube clip
22 with a tubular bore 68, which can accept archwires 24 or
standard auxiliaries used in orthodontics.
[0076] This tube clip 22 has a round tube 68 with tubular bore 68
to slide along an archwire 24. The tube clip may have a rectangular
bore 68 as shown in FIG. 6. The locking device 14 has curved hinged
jaws 70, 72 held by a pin 74, which are structured to secure there
between desired segments of FFMs 18 when locked by the hinged jaws
70, 72. One of the hinged jaws 70 contains an opening 76, which
allows the FFM 18 to expand therein when the jaws 70, 72 are
closed. When cured, the protruding segment of the resin rope 18
prevents the jaws 70, 72 from sliding along it.
[0077] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another mechanical locking
device 14 with a cleat 28 and slide 22 similar to that shown in
FIG. 5. This clamp 14 is fitted with a cleat 28 to attach
elastomeric ties. It also is fitted with a tube 68 with a square
bore 68 to accept rectangular archwires allowing for torque to be
introduced when needed. This slide 22 square hole 68 rigidly holds
to the archwire 24 so that when it twists rotational pressure is
applied to the mechanical locking device 14.
[0078] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a mechanical locking device
14 affixed to the head 16 of a TAD 12. The TAD 12 has an anchoring
shaft 13, which is temporarily driven or screwed into the bone to
secure the TAD 12 in position.
[0079] FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of another embodiment of a
mechanical locking device clamp 14 without a cleat 28. This
perspective view better shows the openable locking structure of the
jaws 70, 72.
[0080] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a
mechanical locking device clamp 14 affixed to a tooth band 32.
[0081] FIG. 10 is a bottom view of an embodiment of a mechanical
locking device clamp 14 with a lingual bracket 30.
[0082] FIG. 11 is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 10.
[0083] FIG. 11a is a view of a locking device clamp 14 with locking
teeth in luman.
[0084] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an uncured FFM 18 made of a
tube 31a filled with a resin 31b, which can be chemically adjusted
to achieve different physical characteristics and other relevant
properties. The tube 31a surrounding or encasing this resin 31b
also can be similarly modified by altering materials or width of
tube 31a to change its physical properties for the mechanical
clamping or biting into via clamp requirements.
[0085] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the a cured FFM 31 of FIG.
12 placed in position.
[0086] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of invisible removable aligner
80 adapted with the invention 10. The aligner 80 fits over tooth
and bracket 79 combination easily as to not to inhibit the
placement of the invisible removable aligner 80 while at the same
time holding the tooth in a fixed position. The bracket 79 or
bracket on band (not shown) is attached to tooth and fixed to the
clamp apparatus with a solid metal connection which is part of the
clamp bracket combination and is one piece. The metal portion
extends past the border of the invisible removable aligner to the
clamp following the anatomy of the hard and soft tissue as it
becomes a clamp where it is fastened to the FFM 18. Actual bracket
79 will be larger and oval in shape than that shown in 79.
[0087] This invention 10 provides a new category of custom, single
visit, comfortable appliances, which maintain rigid positioning of
a desired leverage point or points between teeth and appliances.
Biased mechanics and anchorage requirements are now easier and more
predictable while patient compliance is reduced. Because the
orthodontist can custom place his appliance exactly where he needs
it the orthodontic mechanics of tooth pulling, pushing, tipping,
rotating, extruding, intruding and bodily movement and alignment
are simplified.
[0088] The present invention may be embodied in other specific
forms without departing from its structures, methods, or other
essential characteristics as broadly described herein and claimed
hereinafter. The described embodiments are to be considered in all
respects only as illustrative, and not restrictive. The scope of
the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims,
rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come
within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be
embraced within their scope.
* * * * *